A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Barcelona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Saint Andrews and Barcelona are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Saint Andrews is famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Saint Andrews different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Saint Andrews. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Barcelona can be an interesting and educational experience. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Is the Food Better in Saint Andrews or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Andrews and Barcelona.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Barcelona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a must-see party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is terrific for its live music scene. However, Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Andrews and Barcelona have nice beaches worth visiting.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Barcelona to see the historical old town. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Barcelona is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Barcelona are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Barcelona is a family-friendly university town. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is terrific for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Students?

Saint Andrews and Barcelona are both first-rate destinations for students and younger travelers.

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Barcelona is a very popular university town for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Barcelona can get you around easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Saint Andrews or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Saint Andrews is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable university town. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Both Saint Andrews and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Saint Andrews. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint Andrews, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Saint Andrews. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Barcelona, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Saint Andrews if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Barcelona.

One day in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Even though Saint Andrews is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Andrews has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Saint Andrews is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Saint Andrews is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Andrews and Barcelona, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Barcelona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Barcelona and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Barcelona.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Barcelona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Saint Andrews or Barcelona?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 14°C (58°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Andrews is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Andrews in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 7°C (45°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Saint Andrews